The Torpoint Ferry between Plymouth and Torpoint on the Cornish side of the Tamar has been delayed because of a refit issue.

The PLYM II is now out of the dry dock at A&P Falmouth shipyard where it is undergoing a refit.

However while this should sound like good news for the hundreds of commuters who use the ferry crossing service every day, it won't be as the ferry will not return to operations until later in November.

The ferry had been due to return to the Tamar a week earlier than has been announced by the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee.

(Image: Lucy Davies)

It is understood a deck painting issue is now the cause of the delay.

David List, general manager of the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry, said: "Due to reasons and circumstances outside our control, there are still significant elements of the refit work package yet to be completed, particularly painting of the vehicle deck.

"We are working closely with A&P Falmouth to enable the ferry to be returned to Torpoint at the earliest opportunity, and as of today, the best estimate is that return will be during the week commencing November 19.

"Once the ferry has returned to Torpoint, it will take a few days of suitable weather conditions to get it back on the chains and prepared for service."

He added: "This further delay is regretted, but please be assured that everyone is working extremely hard to get the work completed, and the ferry back to Torpoint and into service as quickly as possible."

The announcement comes as the ferry service has left users fuming as they had to wait for more than one hour for services as one ferry broke down last week.

(Image: Penny Cross)

Since Wednesday the service has flitted between one and two ferries due to mechanical failures.

At the time the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee explained the delays saying: "The initial failure of one of the main sheaves (similar to a pulley wheel, that the chains pass over) has caused some ongoing issues and potentially some further damage.

"We currently have staff working on all the related issues and we hope that they can all be fixed quickly.

"However, until all the parts have been accessed and checked we are unable to give an indication of how long this might be. Many of these parts are large, heavy and difficult to access so it will take a few more hours before we get a clearer picture.

"Once that is done we will put out an update in plenty of time for people to make appropriate plans for tonight’s rush hour.

"We apologise for the delays and lack of information but we don’t want to put out incorrect details or raise hopes until we are sure of the situation."

Drivers have faced long delays waiting in queues whilst the single ferry shuttles drivers from Devonport to Torpoint.